a look back at the Big Red
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can't blame you, a lot of people have been saying they would get the pioneer over big red. if it wasn't for the pioneer the big red would still seem as a great buy!
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It really depends on what your using it for. The BR makes one heck of a work machine around the farm or work site. The Pioneer has increased suspension travel, has dual zone transmission mapping (sport and cruise), comes factory with a meter unit (digital fuel gauge also), increased speed limiter and the list can go on with little things.
I noticed a few things when I watched it. The only thing I noticed at that time frame was the meter unit which was an accessory.
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Dirt trax has to be taken with a grain of salt. They recently posted a test of a Grizzly and didn't even get the year right. That's just ONE is the countless mistakes...
I think comparing a BR to a Pioneer is like Comparing a Rincon to my old 450S ( or a 300, or the original 350 4x4 ). They were all considered "sporty" at one time or another, but tastes and standards change and progress, and you end up with something like the Rincon.
The BR works well for its intentions...which were, of course, mostly work. I really think had it come out before the sport SxS craze, it probably would have done much better.
I think comparing a BR to a Pioneer is like Comparing a Rincon to my old 450S ( or a 300, or the original 350 4x4 ). They were all considered "sporty" at one time or another, but tastes and standards change and progress, and you end up with something like the Rincon.
The BR works well for its intentions...which were, of course, mostly work. I really think had it come out before the sport SxS craze, it probably would have done much better.
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LOL... Back in 86 when the 350 Fourtrax came out it was the bomb.. No racks to make it "sporty" but was built like a tank, and rode like one too.
Honda had an "in house" sxs back in the 80's and I'm not talking about the FL models. When they started getting popular the lawsuits soon followed and Honda took the back seat, IMO. Honda could build some of the meanest machines out there if they wanted to. Lucky for the other brands they hold back.
Honda had an "in house" sxs back in the 80's and I'm not talking about the FL models. When they started getting popular the lawsuits soon followed and Honda took the back seat, IMO. Honda could build some of the meanest machines out there if they wanted to. Lucky for the other brands they hold back.
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I heard a very similar story toodeep from the dealer that I bought my machines from. After some lawsuits, Honda held back on some of the higher performance and speeds. He also stated that we would probably see some future higher performance increases from Honda if they want to stay in the competitive market.
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We (dealers) have to look at all the set up instructions for every model Honda makes. It doesn't matter if we order or sell the model but every one has to be looked at. That is because of a lawsuit and the guy won because the mechanic that set it up didn't look at the set up instructions (really not needed on most models for a experienced mechanic). Everything is done online and every employee at a dealership has a log in so Honda knows exactly what you look at and don't.
I really hope they get back into the game. The "power" is selling even though no one needs it. I am a guy though so I want more power also.. lol
I really hope they get back into the game. The "power" is selling even though no one needs it. I am a guy though so I want more power also.. lol
has anyone fit an engine for a honda car into an ATV?
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They make 250HP marine motors and jet skis, jets, robots and many other things. I think Honda is very capable of making a machine to blow the competition away if they wanted to. I would like to see a version of the GL motor in a SxS. They just run so smooth and quiet.
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Pioneer Improvements
1. Lots of vibration throughout the body. Door latch bumpers where poorly designed, lots of door rattle with lack of sufficient adjustment. Single cylinder motor is now mounted in its own rubber isolated sub-frame. The first thing a previous Big Red owner will notice is how smooth and rattle free it is. Bed constantly squeaked on its rubber pads, despite using multiple types of lubricants. They worked, but only for a short period of time. There are better types of materials than rubber for this.
2. Poor air intake design. Air was drawn in under the bed, and in severe dusty conditions it was a big problem for Honda. There are Honda dealers here is Nebraska, that will not take a Big Red on trade, until they have removed the air filter box, and check the air intake side of the carb for dirt ingestion. This was not a problem in many areas of the country where many country roads are paved, or used in normal trail use. Here in Nebraska, we know what "dusty" conditions really mean! I did not have a problem, but I know how to correctly clean/prepare a air filter for these conditions.
Just a couple observations from a long time Honda owner. I just traded for a new Pioneer-2. Only has 2 miles on it so far!!
I have had a Big Red on the farm for over 2 years, and over 2000 miles. I loved the machine, it was an excellent workhorse. But there was a couple of things that I felt where not up to Honda standards. I have had Honda's for almost 40 years, starting with a ATC 70 in the early 70's.
1. Lots of vibration throughout the body. Door latch bumpers where poorly designed, lots of door rattle with lack of sufficient adjustment. Single cylinder motor is now mounted in its own rubber isolated sub-frame. The first thing a previous Big Red owner will notice is how smooth and rattle free it is. Bed constantly squeaked on its rubber pads, despite using multiple types of lubricants. They worked, but only for a short period of time. There are better types of materials than rubber for this.
2. Poor air intake design. Air was drawn in under the bed, and in severe dusty conditions it was a big problem for Honda. There are Honda dealers here is Nebraska, that will not take a Big Red on trade, until they have removed the air filter box, and check the air intake side of the carb for dirt ingestion. This was not a problem in many areas of the country where many country roads are paved, or used in normal trail use. Here in Nebraska, we know what "dusty" conditions really mean! I did not have a problem, but I know how to correctly clean/prepare a air filter for these conditions.
Just a couple observations from a long time Honda owner. I just traded for a new Pioneer-2. Only has 2 miles on it so far!!
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welcome to the forum lonewillow i agree that the big red had a few problems (shakes and rattles ) but for the farm or on work sites any other brand wouldn't hold up and now Honda worked out all the bugs on the new Pioneer so good luck on the new rig !!!!!!!
(plus the Pioneer looks better then the big slug ....sorry the big red .....lol
(plus the Pioneer looks better then the big slug ....sorry the big red .....lol
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